Progressive alert system for vehicle reservoir fluid fill level

Abstract

A system provides a progressive feedback alert of reaching a pre-determined fluid level in a reservoir of a work vehicle during filling. The system includes a fill level sensor coupled to the reservoir to detect the rising fluid level during filling and is configured to output real time fill level signals based on the changing instantaneous level of fluid in the reservoir. The system can also have a fluid temperature sensor that outputs a temperature signal based on the fluid temperature in the reservoir. The system also includes a control unit coupled to the fill level and temperature sensors that executes control software to analyze the fill level and temperature signals and output feedback signals proportionate to the instantaneously reservoir fluid levels. Further, the system includes a feedback device connected to the control unit to effect a progressive feedback alert based on the received feedback signals.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)[0001]Not applicable.STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0003]This disclosure relates to work vehicles, and in particular to a system for providing user feedback of the fill levels of onboard fluid reservoirs in work vehicles.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0004]Motorized vehicles, such as work vehicles used in the construction and forestry industries, have reservoirs that hold various fluids, such as coolant, fuel, engine oil and hydraulic oil, that must be maintained and refilled on a regular basis. Conventional work vehicles are equipped with some type of mechanical or electrical device that indicates the level of fluid in the reservoir. For viscous fluids, for example, the device may be a conventional dip stick with graduated markings that can be inserted into and removed from the reservoir to take a measured sample of the fluid indicative of the level of fluid in the reservoir...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system that alerts a user when a fluid level in a reservoir reaches a certain point based on a sensor that detects the fluid level and sends a signal to an electronic control unit. The control unit then sends a feedback signal to a feedback device, like a loudspeaker or a display, to let the user know that they need to refill the reservoir. The system can also take into account different temperatures and user preferences when generating the alert. The control unit can also display sensor information and allow users to adjust settings. Overall, the system provides a convenient way to alert users when they need to refill a reservoir and ensures that they always have access to fluid when they need it.

Problems solved by technology

All of the aforementioned devices are best suited for indicating the fluid level of a reservoir at some point after it is filled with the fluid, and are cumbersome or ineffective to use while adding fluid to the reservoir.

This process is time consuming and can lead to over-filling the reservoir.

Sight gauges can be difficult to view while filling as well since, particularly in heavy-duty work vehicles, they are ordinarily hidden beneath vehicle body panels or dedicated guards in order to protect the gauge from hazards of the operating environment.

And if not hidden, sight gauges are susceptible to being damaged, which could also inhibit the operation of the vehicle if the reservoir is compromised.

An additional problem with some fluid reservoirs in work vehicles is determining the correct fill level when the desired fill level is less than the maximum capacity of the reservoir such that both automatic shut-off systems and visual inspection of the filling orifice are not effective.

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